Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

Developed and developing: An outdated classification for countries?

Countries have traditionally been divided into two broad categories according to their capacity to innovate. Now, researchers reporting in PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases say these categories are overly simplistic and leave ...

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

Devastating elephantiasis disease facing elimination

A disabling parasitic disease which causes elephantiasis, and threatens around one billion people globally – Lymphatic filariasis - could be eliminated more quickly, thanks to research by the University of Warwick.

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

Chemical mosquito controls ineffective in Zika fight

Some existing methods for controlling Zika-carrying mosquitos are not effective and may even be counter-productive, according to research by scientists at the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Diseases, Conditions, Syndromes

Heat shock protein appears to turn on Schistosoma invasion

A protein known for helping cells withstand stress may also act as a switch that triggers free-swimming Schistosoma larvae to begin penetrating the skin and transforming into the parasitic flatworms that burden more than ...

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The neglected diseases are a group of tropical infections which are especially endemic in low-income populations in developing regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Different organizations define the set of diseases differently. In sub-Saharan Africa, the impact of these diseases as a group is comparable to malaria and tuberculosis. Some of these diseases have known preventive measures or acute medical treatments which are available in the developed world but which are not universally available in poorer areas. In some cases, the treatments are relatively inexpensive. For example, the treatment for schistosomiasis is USD $0.20 per child per year. Nevertheless, control of neglected diseases[clarification needed] is estimated to require funding of between US$2 billion to US$3 billion over the next five to seven years.

These diseases are contrasted with the big three diseases (HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria), which generally receive greater treatment and research funding. The neglected diseases can also make HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis more deadly. However, some pharmaceutical companies have committed to donating all the drug therapies required and mass drug administration has been successfully accomplished in several countries.

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